David Wayne Karppala, Sr., of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Burdett, New York, left us too soon, unexpectedly, on August 26, 2026, leaving behind the legacy of a life devoted to family, generosity, friendship, and faith.

Born in 1949 in Elmira, New York, David was the son of Laurie Armas Karppala and Esther Dunham Wilson Karppala.

David was a highly educated and accomplished man. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics and Mathematics from SUNY Geneseo, State University of New York, and a Master of Science degree in Physics from Oregon State University.

Throughout his professional career, David was employed by Searle Radiographics in Chicago, Illinois. He later founded Kensington Imaging & Services in Oak Brook, Illinois, and Doctors Imaging Services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He went on, when called, to work for Computer Technology and Imaging (CTI) in Knoxville, Tennessee when positron emission technology PET imaging was in its infancy. David was also the founder and driving force behind Electric Power Savers (EPS) in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. His company’s past work continues to save billions of pounds of greenhouse gases from harming the earth, to this day. He was a member of the Association of Energy Engineers and had been a Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional (CLEP) since 1996.

David enjoyed a wide variety of interests. He loved boating, traveling, dining with family, Pink Floyd, and spending time with those he loved, especially his grandchildren. He had a passion for college football and was an avid fan of the Oregon State Beavers. David was a frugal man who was known to use coupons to save a dime. He considered his collecting of them a hobby.

Those who knew David will remember his generosity and willingness to help others. He freely gave of both his time and resources and was always ready to lend a hand to someone in need. He was actively involved with Lions Clubs International in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, where he served as Past President. He was also well known for spearheading the club’s successful peanut butter ball and candy-making fundraisers, which earned him the affectionate nickname, “The Candy Man.” David was deeply loved by those who knew him and will also be remembered for his wry and sometimes goofy sense of humor, stories and wit.

A devoted Christian, David lived his faith through the way he treated others, striving always to follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He took the Book of Proverbs to heart and practiced what he preached. He was the quintessential Patriarch of the whole family who could always give wise perspectives in times of need.

Above all his many accomplishments, David was a devoted family man. Family was always his highest priority. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Susan Lynn Caron Karppala, and his six children: Katherine Elizabeth Karppala of Marietta, Georgia; Christopher David Karppala of Timonium, Maryland; Kevin Andrew Karppala of Portland, Oregon; Danielle Elizabeth Karppala of Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania; David Wayne Karppala Jr. of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Clifford Edward Karppala of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

He is also survived by his brothers, Laurie Armas Karppala of Montour Falls, New York, and Aaron James Karppala of Sandy Creek, New York; and his sisters, Shirley Ann Sharer of Sparta, Tennessee; Esther Jean Karppala of Watkins Glen, New York; Faith Marie Karppala Klock of Montour Falls, New York; and Deborah Mae Karppala of Bullhead City, Arizona.

David was the proud grandfather of Skyler Alexander Gustafson of Marietta, Georgia, and Landon Christopher Karppala and Zoey Rae Karppala of Timonium, Maryland, all of whom he loved dearly.

David's life was marked not only by his professional accomplishments, but by his love for his family, his generosity toward others, his faith, and the friendships he cherished. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

There will be a viewing and memorial service on September 6 at 2PM to 4PM at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home located at 212 East Fourth Street, Watkins Glen, New York. There will be a Celebration of Life reception immediately following the viewing. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Fairfield Lions Club of Fairfield, PO Box 161, Fairfield, PA 17320.

There will be memorial service in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania at a future date, to be announced.